chapter 6

malignant melanoma

Most serious form of skin cancer; often characterized by black or dark brown patches on the skin that may appear uneven in texture, jagged, or raised.

shingles

Viral (herpes zoster or chickenpox) illness. The virus remains dormant within cranial or spinal nerves. Trauma or stress can activate it.treatment is symptomatic with lotions to relieve the itching and analgesics to control pain.

warts

are caused by human papillomavirus. causes uncontrolled growth of epidermal tissue. transmitted by direct contract with an infected individual. they can go away on then self or with a topical application or surgically.

chickenpox

caused by the varicella zoster virus (primary infection) and presents as malaise, pharyngitis, rhinnitis followed by fever and skin rash that begins at face and trunk and spreads to extremities--rapidly progress from areas of erythema to pustules that rupture--itch

cyst

encapsulated fluid filled or a semi solid mass in the subcutaneous tissue of dermis exp. sebaceous cyst , epidermoid cyst

impetigo

highly contagious skin disease of children caused by Staphyococcus aureus. skin erupts with small blisters containing pus, rupture easily, produce a homey color crust. blisters usually on the face, can spread. spread by direct contact. treatment: clean with antibacterial soaps,antibiotics.

macule

is a flat small discoloration of the skin that is even skin surface. exp. freckle

onychomycosis

is a fungal infection of the nailsresulting in dry, thickened and brittle nails usually accompanied by a yellowish discoloration . it is very difficult to treat as topical applications are inefentive.

crust

is a hard solid layer on the surface of the skin caused by dried blood serum or pus. it is also so called a scab.exp. inpetigo

wheal

is a pale or reddened elevation produced by a localized edema or swelling, like that caused by a mosquito bite. exp. insect bit or a hive

papule

is a skin lesion that is a solid small elevation less than one centimeter in diameter. exp. warts elevated nevi

vitiligo

is an acquired skin disease resulting in irregular patches of skin of various sizes completely lacking in any pigmentation . the depigmented white patched are often located on exposed areas of the skin. the causes of the disease is unkown

poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis

is caused by contact with a chemical toxicodendrol characterized by itching and burning vesicular eruptions. it and be treated with topical applications of corticosteroid cream or lotions

ringworm

is caused by several species of fungus. on the feet is called athletes feet; in the groin area it is called jock itch; the scalp is tinea capitus and is most common is children. untreated lead to hair loss and secondary bacterial infection.

alopecia

is commonly known as baldness and can be caused by a number or factors in both men and women . male pattern baldness is influenced by genetic factors and aging. baldness is also influenced by male sex hormones .

psoriasis

itching;chronic, recurrent skin disease, silvery scales covering red patches, papules, and/or plaques on skin that result from overproduction, thickening of the skin. there is no know cure, but can controlled with corticosteroids, ultraviolet light,tar solution cream, shampoos

cold sores

known as fever blisters are caused by Type1 herpes simplex. infections show no symptoms the virus can remain dormant in the skin around the mouth and in mucous membrane of the mouth. when active it produces small. fluid filled blisters that are painful and irritating. stress seems to activate it.

basal cell carcinoma

most common type of skin cancer.

paronychia

occurs when the fold of skin and the edge of the nail becomes infected.

moles

produced by groupings of melanocytes . develop during the first years of life. They are common. they reach max size and elevation at puberty , vary in size and may have hair associated. if they enlarge, darken later in life, they may be a first indication of skin cancer.

bullae

same as a vesicle only greater than 0.5 cm exp. contact dermatitis, large second degree burns , bulbous impetigo, pemphigus

furuncle or boil

skin infection originating in glands or hair follicle exp. furunculosis

squamous cell carcinoma

the first dangerous type of skin cancer produces a nodular tumor that is highly keratinized and found in the epidermis. if untreated can spread to the dermis and metastasize and cause death

pustule

vesicles or bullae that become fulled with pus usually described as less than 0.5 cm in diameter. exp acne, impetigo, furuncles, carbuncles, folliculitis